Ricky Gervais revealed on his blog yesterday that he has made a vow to NBC to host the long-running sketch comedy series SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE in 2013. "[I] promised the SNL lot that I'd host next year. I've been invited to do it so many times but I was never available," he shared.

"I'm going to do it next year whether it coincides with me plugging something or not," the comic continued. "It might even be better if I don't have to restrict it to jokes about the movie or TV show I'm flogging. Pure fun. You'll be the judge of that."

Gervais made an appearance on the show in 2008 in an episode hosted by comedian Steve Carell, appearing in a skit which poked fun at The Office set in Japan.

Saturday Night Live airs at 11.30/10.30c on NBC. This week's show will be hosted by actor Jeremy Renner and will feature Maroon 5 as the musical guest.